How Dental Plaque is Related to Blood Clots

It is always a good idea to try and prevent dental plaque buildup by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, along with visiting your dentist every six months for a professional exam and cleaning. Other than the obvious reasons for preventing cavities and tooth decay, it has recently been found that dental plaque may also encourage blood clots in other parts of the body.

S. gordonii is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the mouth, and as a result, it contributes to the buildup of dental plaque. When plaque is left to accumulate unchecked, it is the leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease. The issue here is that even in its earliest stages, gum disease can make your gums bleed. When our gums bleed, bacteria such as S. gordonii are able to enter into our bloodstream and travel throughout our body. A recent study suggests that this strain of bacteria is able to mimic a human protein that encourages blood clotting. It does this by causing platelets to clump inside the blood vessels. The blood clots not only protect the bacteria from our immune system, but they can also block the flow of blood through our vessels. In addition, this phenomenon can also cause growths on the heart valves.

Time and again the medical community keeps discovering links between dental health and overall health. It simply pays to maintain proper oral hygiene. If it has been a while since you have last been to the dentist, contact our expert in dental cleaning in San Fernando Valley to set up an appointment.